Marshall Mid A N C Review | 93 Data compared

The Marshall MID ANC headphones balance functional design with specific hardware limitations, offering a solid entry-level hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) system. Built with an AMS AS3435 chip for analog ANC processing and a Qualcomm CSR8645 Bluetooth SoC, the teardown reveals a highly repairable structure featuring easily unscrewed, replaceable ear cushions and straightforward physical component separation across two main PCBs. On the positive side, the headphones deliver a reliable on-ear build, dedicated manual controls, a functional 3.5mm jack bypass that operates even with a dead battery, and effective ANC isolation against low-frequency background hums under 400 Hz (such as train or crowded environments). However, the headphones suffer from notable audio processing bottlenecks and engineering limitations. Phase-shift testing reveals a clear bandwidth constraint starting around 500 Hz, making the ANC significantly less effective at blocking out higher-pitched sounds. The most severe drawback is the microphone performance during Bluetooth calls. Because the Qualcomm SoC's cVc voice processing technology is poorly calibrated or equalized, it aggressively amplifies surrounding background noise during moments of silence, rendering wireless calls highly frustrating in noisy or outdoor...

The review by Nicholas Calderone on MacSources delivers a highly enthusiastic assessment of the Marshall Mid A. N. C. Wireless HeadphonesGo, highlighting them as an exceptionally high-quality product that outperformed his more expensive $400 alternative. The reviewer praised the overall premium unboxing experience, noting the inclusion of a luxurious, red suede-lined leather carrying case alongside a Micro USB charging cable and an auxiliary cable. Performance-wise, the headphones impressed with their deep, clear bass and superior audio clarity across various music genres and podcasts. Key design pros outlined in the text include the soft headband cushion, a seamless Bluetooth setup, 3D hinges for compact travel collapsing, and a unique music-sharing feature via a 3.5mm socket. The review also references solid technical specs, including custom-tuned 40mm dynamic drivers and a strong battery life rating of 20 hours with ANC activated or 30+ hours on Bluetooth only. Despite the overwhelming praise, the author experienced a notable drawback regarding long-term comfort, explicitly stating that his ears get quite warm after long periods of use. Additionally, while the wireless Bluetooth functionality was highly celebrated for...

The Marshall Mid ANC headphones offer a clear, energetic sound profile with detailed highs, featuring an iconic, amp-inspired design and effective, though not class-leading, active noise cancellation. Despite a comfortable fit, the headphones are hindered by a lack of low-end depth, thin midrange performance, and high pricing compared to superior alternatives like the Sony WH-1000XM2.

The Marshall Mid A.N.C. is a lightweight, foldable pair of on-ear Bluetooth headphones that features active noise cancellation and a distinctive rock-and-roll design. On the positive side, the headphones offer exceptional build quality, showcasing a sturdy hard-wearing travel case with premium purple velour lining, gold-plated plugs, and protective metal spring details. They provide excellent everyday portability due to their highly compact, inward-folding design. Additionally, they boast an impressive battery life of up to 20 hours with ANC enabled and 30 hours without it, alongside a useful pass-through mini-jack socket that lets users share their music with a second pair of headphones.

The Marshall MID ANC on-ear headphones feature a stylish retro design that leverages the brand's iconic rock-and-roll heritage. Built with a metal headband and textured plastic cups mimicking Marshall's classic amplifiers, the aesthetic and accompanying faux-leather carrying case are highly praised highlights. Functionality is another strong pro, driven by an intuitive gold control knob on the right ear cup and a standalone active noise cancelling (ANC) switch. Sound-wise, the midbass and lower midrange perform well, particularly when ANC is turned on, delivering an energetic sound profile tailored for rock and electric guitar-driven music. However, the headphones suffer from several comfort and performance cons. The square on-ear cup design causes notable discomfort during long listening sessions and fails to provide adequate passive noise isolation. Audio performance is heavily criticized for an overall lack of detail and occasional distortion, making the sound quality feel more comparable to budget sub-50€ IEMs than premium over-200€ gear. Additionally, the headphones lack high-end bluetooth codecs like LDAC, are limited to AptX, and present a rolled-off treble alongside a flat, mediocre soundstage.

The Marshall Mid ANC is a stylish pair of wireless on-ear headphones that features a vintage rock-and-roll design with gold accents and faux-leather ear cups. They offer useful features like stable AptX Bluetooth connectivity to reduce video lag, easy-to-use button controls, and a helpful soft travel case. The battery lasts a decent 16 hours with active noise cancellation (ANC) turned on, and it can stretch to over 30 hours without ANC. For pros, these headphones are lightweight, durable, and deliver a warm sound signature with plenty of bass that works well for rock music. However, the headphones come with several downsides. The active noise cancellation is only average and fails to block out all background sounds. Because they are an on-ear style, they press directly on your ears and can become uncomfortable during long periods of wear. They are also a poor choice for working out since they do not grip your head very tightly. In terms of performance, the sound stage is narrow, the mid-levels are recessed, and the built-in microphone records muffled audio. Finally, the headphones lack a...

The Marshall Mid A. N. C. headphones are compact, stylish, and foldable Bluetooth on-ears tailored for traveling music enthusiasts. They feature high-quality leather and metal construction, retaining the intuitive brass eraser-style control stick for effortless playback and volume adjustments. Sonically, they deliver a warm, vibrant, and energetic audio performance with a scooped tuning that slightly boosts the low and high frequencies while keeping the instrument layers impressively distinct. The addition of active noise-canceling technology works excellently alongside the tight passive isolation to effectively drown out low-frequency background sounds like jet engines. Battery life is also a strong suite, offering 20 hours of playback with ANC enabled and extending up to 30 hours with it turned off. Despite their strong performance, these headphones come with notable drawbacks. The headband applies a tight clamping force, which provides great passive noise isolation but can cause physical discomfort during extended listening sessions. Additionally, their $269 MSRP introduces a price premium that does not fully align with the active noise-canceling upgrade when compared to the much cheaper original Mid model. While they are highly impressive...

The Marshall Mid A.N.C. ($269 USD) on-ear headphones feature a stunning semi-retro aesthetic inspired by classic Marshall guitar amplifiers, complete with black faux leather, gold branding, and exposed coiled wiring. The audio performance is highly impressive, offering a tonally balanced soundstage with an exceptionally transparent midrange, perky highs, and articulate, deep bass that favors accuracy over a thumpy profile. Comfort is a standout attribute, as the heavily padded headband and plush, user-replaceable earcups securely clamp the head without causing hotspots, making them viable for long listening sessions. Additionally, they boast an excellent battery life of up to 20 hours with both Bluetooth aptX and active noise canceling (NC) enabled, or 30 hours with NC alone. Despite these advantages, the headphones present several notable drawbacks. The active noise canceling circuitry is only average, failing to match the class-leading performance of competitors, though it provides some relief from low-frequency sounds like jet engine rumble without compromising music quality. The multi-directional gold navigation button on the left earcup is highly problematic and poorly marked, frequently causing users to unintentionally pause music when trying...

The Marshall Mid A. N. C. Bluetooth headphones are praised for their exceptional sound quality, rock-inspired aesthetics, and luxurious unboxing experience, featuring premium materials like a plush headband cushion. Users can expect seamless pairing, a highly stable connection, and comfortable, durable design, making them a standout on-ear option. However, a notable drawback is the on-ear design, which can cause ears to get quite warm after extended, continuous listening sessions, creating a potential comfort issue. Aside from this heat buildup, the review finds no other significant flaws regarding performance or build quality.

The Marshall Mid ANC are retro-styled, on-ear wireless headphones that combine vintage aesthetics with modern features like Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and aptX audio support. Priced at $270 (£240), they feature the brand's iconic gold toggle switch for intuitive control over playback, pairing, and volume, along with a dedicated ANC slider on the right earcup. Physically, they share the same collapsible design as the standard Mid Wireless, featuring faux leather earpads, a soft suede headband, and a red velvet-lined carrying case. A major standout feature is the impressive battery life, which delivers roughly 20 hours of music playback with ANC enabled and up to a staggering 30 hours when the noise cancellation is turned off. Despite their appealing looks and good battery life, the review notes several performance drawbacks that make them tough to recommend over fierce market competition. The primary pros include their distinct retro styling, punchy and warm mainstream sound signature with great bass response, and exceptional battery longevity. On the downside, the cons include a distinct lack of audio detail across the frequency band, a narrow soundstage,...

The Marshall Mid ANC Wireless headphonesGo offer a well-balanced sound profile, great wireless range, and a durable, iconic design with intuitive joystick controls. They are a decent on-ear option for mixed use, characterized by a lightweight build and reliable battery life. However, the headphones suffer from mediocre active noise cancellation and a tight, uncomfortable clamping force during long listening sessions. Additional drawbacks include a bright treble response and high Bluetooth latency, making them less ideal for gaming or video consumption.

The CNET review rates the Marshall Mid ANCGo wireless headphones at 7.8 out of 10, highlighting them as a sturdily built, on-ear option with a well-balanced sound profile. Pros include a sturdily constructed design featuring metal hinges, an integrated joystick-like universal control button for easy navigation, and a bundled premium carrying case. Performance-wise, the headphones deliver clean audio with tight, deep bass that prevents tracks from sounding boomy, alongside a dependable battery life of up to 20 hours with active noise cancellation (ANC) enabled (and up to 30 hours with it turned off).

The Marshall Mid ANC active noise-cancelling headphones blend classic 1970s rock aesthetics with modern audio technology, offering a rugged design inspired by vintage guitar amplifiers. They feature distinctive pebbled imitation leather, a padded headband, and an intuitive multi-directional control joystick. In terms of performance, they deliver a punchy, warm, and highly immersive sound signature that beautifully balances bass and midtones without drowning out high-end vocals. The active noise-cancelling technology performs effectively, successfully cutting out low, droning background noises typical of train or plane travel to allow for focused listening. However, the headphones also present a few distinct drawbacks. While the audio performance is strong, the headphones lack aptX HD support, settling instead for standard aptX. Customization options are minimal, as there is no dedicated companion app to adjust EQ levels or customize the intensity of the noise-cancelling feature. Additionally, the headband adjustment mechanism feels stiff and difficult to operate smoothly. The most significant downside is the battery life; although marketed to achieve over 20 hours with ANC activated, real-world testing fell drastically short, delivering closer to 10–15 hours of playback.

The Marshall Mid ANC headphones are lauded by PCMag as an Editors' Choice winner offering best-in-class noise cancellation under $300, featuring a distinct, rock-and-roll design and crisp, bass-boosted audio. Key strengths include effective ANC, a comfortable fit, and an intuitive on-ear control system, though the stylized, amp-inspired aesthetic and heavily sculpted sound profile (ideal for bass lovers, not purists) are noted as potential drawbacks.